1Now the Spirit speaketh expressly , that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith , giving heed to seducing spirits , and doctrines of devils ; 2Speaking lies in hypocrisy ; having their conscience seared with a hot iron ; 3Forbidding to marry , and commanding to abstain from meats , which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth . 4For every creature of God is good , and nothing to be refused , if it be received with thanksgiving : 5For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer .
The Importance of Sound Doctrine
6If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things , thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ , nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine , whereunto thou hast attained . 7But refuse profane and old wives’ fables , and exercise thyself rather unto godliness . 8For bodily exercise profiteth little : but godliness is profitable unto all things , having promise of the life that now is , and of that which is to come . 9This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation . 10For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach , because we trust in the living God , who is the Saviour of all men , specially of those that believe .
The Role of a Minister
11These things command and teach . 12Let no man despise thy youth ; but be thou an example of the believers , in word , in conversation , in charity , in spirit , in faith , in purity . 13Till I come , give attendance to reading , to exhortation , to doctrine . 14Neglect not the gift that is in thee , which was given thee by prophecy , with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery . 15Meditate upon these things ; give thyself wholly to them ; that thy profiting may appear to all . 16Take heed unto thyself , and unto the doctrine ; continue in them : for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself , and them that hear thee .